North Austin News

In recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has reintroduced the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act. Led by Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), the initiative includes Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), Young Kim (R-Calif.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), and 61 original cosponsors.

The HEAL Act mandates a study by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum on Holocaust education efforts in public schools across the nation. "Like thousands of others, my dad fought in World War II to end the scourge of antisemitism, and it is now our responsibility to ensure it does not return," said Rep. McCaul. He emphasized the need for improved Holocaust education amid rising antisemitic incidents.

Rep. Gottheimer expressed concern over increasing antisemitism and Holocaust denial globally and domestically, including violent attacks in New Jersey. "The mounting evidence that knowledge about the Holocaust is beginning to fade should also alarm us all," he stated.

Rep. Kim highlighted the importance of teaching future generations about the Holocaust as antisemitism rises nationwide, particularly on college campuses. She noted that "the HEAL Act will allow us to explore the status of Holocaust education in the United States."

Rep. Fitzpatrick pointed out an alarming increase in antisemitic rhetoric and violence within educational institutions over the past year as a warning against allowing historical lessons to fade away.

Rep. Goldman stressed that educating Americans about Nazi atrocities is essential for combating antisemitic hate stemming from ignorance.

Finally, Rep. Stevens underlined education as crucial for preventing history from repeating itself, especially given recent increases in antisemitism.

Recent surveys show declining awareness about the Holocaust among younger generations, with only 39% of individuals aged 18-34 recognizing its historical accuracy. Currently, 29 states have laws mandating public school students learn about the Holocaust; however, 21 states lack comprehensive or mandatory laws on this subject.

The HEAL Act aims to identify gaps in existing educational efforts by examining state mandates, instructional standards, learning outcomes, materials used for teaching about the Holocaust, subjects where it is taught, course duration and comprehensiveness, assessment methods employed by schools to gauge student understanding—and report findings back to Congress.